Today we’d like to introduce you to Lorenzo Lapi.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I studied in Parma, Italy at ALMA, La Scuola Internazionale di Cucina Italiana.
I worked in Michelin star restaurants in Italy and Europe and decided to move to Miami.
After working a couple of years, I decided to open my food truck as a way for the South Florida population to know my food in different areas. I always loved food, since I was a baby at 1 year I was already eating seafood and peeling it myself and by 3 I will go with my father to hunt to mushrooms in the mountains in Italy.
I have won best food truck of Miami in 2014, been on the cooking channel and I am currently working in opening a restaurant, with my love for Italian cuisine and a twist of what I learn of Miamians taste.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It was challenging coming to a new country not speaking very well English and navigating opening a business (licenses, permits, loans etc) only with the hope that it will go great.
Thankfully it did and my food been very well received!
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about IL FIORENTINO – what should we know?
I started with the food truck with the idea of making it a restaurant on wheels literally. I had octopus, truffle and many other dishes on the menu that people can bring their own bottle of wine and just enjoy a night out. During the past years, I have had to adjust my menu to more street food but always great ingredients and quality. I specialize in fresh handmade pasta. I love to make ravioli and experiment with different flavors and temperatures.
I am most proud of the caterings that I do, specially weddings. It is a very special day in a couple life and that they choose me to make their dinner, and at the end I get so many compliments from guests that “I can’t believe that came from a food truck” makes me proud as a chef.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My wife, we moved here back from Italy as her family was here and she basically grew up here. She has been my right hand on everything. She worked with me the first couple of years in order to pay our loans as we hate to have debt. She is the main person that organizes all the events, caterings, and my schedule. We make a great team together as we are very different but complement each other well.
Pricing:
- My food is excellent quality and great price everything is under $15
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ilfiorentinomia.com
- Phone: 9545521868
- Email: info@ilfiorentinomia.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/ilfiorentino
- Facebook: Facebook.com/ILFIORENTINOMia
- Twitter: Twitter.com/il_fiorentino
- Yelp: Il-FIORENTINO-Miami
Getting in touch: VoyageMIA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
